Intersectionality

Definition

Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various social identities—like race, gender, sexuality, and class—interact to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. It emphasizes that individuals can experience multiple forms of oppression simultaneously, and that these experiences cannot be understood in isolation. This approach encourages a more nuanced analysis of social issues by considering how different identities intersect and influence one another.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intersectionality was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in the late 1980s as a way to highlight the specific experiences of Black women, who face both racial and gender discrimination.
2. This concept challenges the idea that social categories like gender or race are mutually exclusive, showing instead how they can work together to shape individual experiences.
3. In literature and criticism, intersectionality helps to analyze characters and narratives by revealing how overlapping identities influence their choices and struggles.
4. Intersectional analysis can uncover hidden biases in feminist and LGBTQ+ movements that may prioritize the experiences of certain groups over others.
5. Applying intersectionality leads to more inclusive activism by addressing the needs of those who experience multiple layers of disadvantage.

Review Questions

• How does intersectionality enhance our understanding of characters in literature?
  • Intersectionality enhances our understanding of characters by allowing us to see how their various identities—such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—interact to shape their experiences. For example, a character who is both a woman and a person of color may face unique challenges that differ from those faced by white women or men of color. This deeper analysis can reveal complexities in their motivations, struggles, and interactions with other characters, leading to a richer interpretation of the narrative.
• Discuss how feminist literary criticism incorporates intersectionality to challenge traditional narratives.
  • Feminist literary criticism incorporates intersectionality by critiquing traditional narratives that often center the experiences of privileged women while marginalizing those of women from diverse backgrounds. By applying an intersectional lens, critics can highlight the unique struggles faced by women of color, queer women, and those from lower socio-economic classes. This approach not only broadens the scope of feminist analysis but also advocates for a more inclusive understanding of women's literature that reflects the realities of all women's lives.
• Evaluate the impact of intersectionality on LGBTQ+ literature and its representation in society.
  • The impact of intersectionality on LGBTQ+ literature is profound as it encourages authors and critics to explore how overlapping identities influence queer experiences. By recognizing that LGBTQ+ individuals are not a monolith but come from diverse backgrounds with varying social identities, intersectionality fosters a richer narrative landscape. This evaluation not only reflects real societal dynamics but also promotes inclusivity in representation, which can help combat stereotypes and foster understanding among different communities. Ultimately, intersectionality in LGBTQ+ literature contributes to broader discussions about social justice and equality.

Related terms

Social Identity: The way individuals define themselves in relation to groups they are a part of, such as race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation.

Privilege: Unearned advantages or benefits that individuals receive based on their social identities, often without realizing it.

Oppression: Systemic and institutionalized mistreatment and disadvantage experienced by certain groups based on their social identities.